Burgundy is one of the larger regions in Europe. Situated between the Paris Basin and the Saône Valley, and between northern Europe and the Mediterranean, Burgundy consists of four départements: the Yonne, the Nièvre, the Côte d'Or and the Saône-et-Loire. Burgundy is a diverse region, which rich and varied natural splendours. From the Morvan massif to the Bresse plains, the vine-covered Côte d'Or to the Auxois prairies, the Langres plateau to the hills of the Charollais, and the Saône Valley to the Mâconnais mounts, Burgundy's natural gifts are a joy for inhabitants and visitors alike.
A Rich Cultural Heritage
Romanesque art (Vézelay Basilica, Autun Cathedral and Cluny Abbey are prominent examples) was prevalent in the 11th and 12th centuries. Many village churches are also fine examples of this type of architecture. With the arrival of the rib vault, Gothic sculpture and architecture gradually replaced the Romanesque style. The Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy in Dijon, the Hospices de Beaune and the tomb of Phillip the Bold are all excellent examples of this period. The castles in Burgundy mostly date back to the Middle Ages. What remains of the original buildings depends on the degree of renovation over the years.
The proud Bazoches castle epitomises the feudal period, while the Château de Sully embodies the elegance and artistry of the Renaissance. The region's rich past is also reflected by castles in Tanlay, Cormatin and Ancy-le-Franc.
To understand the wines of Burgundy, whether talking about Chablis, the Côte de Nuits, or the Côtes de Beaune, it is necessary to understand the region's topography.
The vineyards of the Côte d'Or stretch some 50 kilometres (31 miles) from North to South. The region is divided into two parts identified by the two main cities they surround (in a way, their capitals): Nuits-Saint-Georges and Beaune.
The Côte de Nuits begins about twelve kilometres south of Dijon, more precisely in Fixin, and extends about twenty kilometres to the south of Nuits-Saint-Georges. The Côte de Beaune begins just south of there, in Corgoloin, and ends about thirty kilometres further south, in Santenay.
What Burgundians call "la Côte" is thus the narrow strip of land consisting of a succession of hills and slopes on which vines grow. The Côte's width varies from only 200 to 800 metres, and not all of its surface area is covered with vines.
The Côte de Beaune is located to the south of the Côte de Nuits.